Rite Aid, Albertsons agree to terminate merger

CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid Corp. announced that it has mutually agreed with Albertsons Cos. to terminate their previously announced merger agreement.

“While we believed in the merits of the combination with Albertsons, we have heard the views expressed by our stockholders and are committed to moving forward and executing our strategic plan as a standalone company,” said Rite Aid chairman and chief executive officer John Standley. “We remain focused on leveraging our network of conveniently located retail pharmacies, our EnvisionRxOptions PBM and our trusted brand of health and wellness offerings. We will continue building momentum for key areas of our business like our innovative Wellness store format, highly successful customer loyalty program and expanded pharmacy service offerings, as we also enhance our omni-channel and own brand offerings to strengthen our competitive position and create long-term value for stockholders.”

As a result, the special meeting of Rite Aid’s stockholders, which was to be held on August 9, 2018, will not take place.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, neither Rite Aid nor Albertsons will be responsible for any payments to the other party as a result of the termination of the merger agreement.

The company also announced its board of directors is evaluating governance changes at the company. As it considers these changes, Rite Aid will continue to engage with stockholders to ensure alignment between the company and its investors.

The company also announced that its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on October 30, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at a location to be determined.